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Oregon tobacco tax battle hits cash record

10:34 AM PDT on Sunday, October 14, 2007

ASSOCIATED PRESS

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Campaign contributions from big tobacco companies trying to block the proposed Measure 50 tobacco tax increase have reached a record $10 million with the addition of $905,000 from the maker of Camel cigarettes.

Reynolds American has now contributed $4.2 million to the campaign against a proposed increase of about 85 cents a pack to pay for children's health insurance and other health programs.

Marlboro brand manufacturer Philip Morris has given even more -- $5.8 million.

Supporters of the tax increase, called the Yes on the Healthy Kids Plan, have reported raising $2 million so far. That includes $100,000 from Nike founder Phil Knight and $50,000 from Gov. Ted Kulongoski's political action committee.

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